PAT-069 - MDR - Mission Definition Milestone Review Checklist

The Mission Definition Review (MDR) exit criteria outlined in NASA-HDBK-2203, Topic 7.09, evaluate whether the mission's objectives, requirements, and system approach—including software-related aspects—are well-defined, achievable, and ready to proceed to detailed preliminary and system design. The MDR ensures that the foundational mission framework is established and that software considerations are integrated into the overall system design and management approach.

Below is a summary of the Software MDR Exit Criteria:

Summary of Software MDR Exit Criteria

1. Mission Objectives and Requirements:
   • The mission's objectives and requirements, including all software-related aspects, must be clearly defined, complete, and aligned with stakeholder expectations.
   • Mission-level requirements should link to high-level software requirements.
2. System Concept and Preliminary Design:
   • The overall system concept and preliminary design should identify software's role in achieving mission objectives.
   • High-level descriptions of software functionality, interfaces, and performance expectations should be provided.
3. Software Requirements Definition:
   • Software requirements must be preliminarily identified and traceable to mission and system objectives.
   • Initial functional, performance, safety, security, and reliability requirements should be outlined.
4. Software Integration Concept:
   • The approach for integrating software with mission hardware, ground systems, and external systems must be preliminarily defined.
   • Key software interfaces should be identified, and integration challenges should be addressed.
5. Feasibility Analysis:
   • The technical feasibility of meeting software-related mission objectives within constraints (e.g., schedule, budget, resources) must be demonstrated.
   • Any gaps or risks associated with the software concept should be identified.
6. Risk Identification and Mitigation:
   • Software-related risks (technical, schedule, or cost) must be identified and assessed, with preliminary mitigation strategies documented.
   • Risks associated with software integration and performance must be highlighted.
7. Compliance and Standards:
   • The software approach must comply with relevant NASA and mission-specific standards (e.g., safety and cybersecurity requirements).
   • Any unique constraints or standards applicable to the mission must be addressed in the software planning process.
8. Safety and Security Considerations:
   • Safety-critical software functions and potential hazards must be identified.
   • Preliminary cybersecurity measures and strategies must be outlined to protect software assets and interfaces.
9. Preliminary Development Strategy:
   • A preliminary software development approach should be documented, including lifecycle phases, resource allocations, and general timelines.
   • The development strategy should ensure the ability to meet mission objectives within constraints.
10. Verification and Validation Planning:
    • An initial V&V strategy must be defined, outlining how software requirements will be verified and validated during subsequent development phases.
    • Preliminary success criteria for V&V should be established.
11. Stakeholder Approval:
    • Key stakeholders, including system architects, project managers, and assurance teams, must review and approve the software approach as part of the mission definition.
    • Stakeholder concerns must be addressed before proceeding to the next phase.
12. Documentation and Reporting:
    • All relevant documentation must be completed, reviewed, and approved, including high-level software requirements, system design concepts, risk analyses, and resource assessments.
    • The MDR should result in an approved software concept as part of the broader mission plan.

Key Purpose of Software MDR Exit Criteria

The MDR exit criteria ensure that:

• The software requirements and defined role align with the broader mission goals and system design.
• Critical software-related risks and challenges have been identified early, with mitigation strategies planned.
• Stakeholders have confidence in the project's ability to proceed to detailed system and software preliminary design phases.

By meeting these criteria, the software component of the mission is fully integrated into the mission definition and ready for further development planning.

Conclusion: The Software MDR Exit Criteria confirm that the preliminary software planning and definitions effectively support mission objectives and system design. By addressing these criteria, NASA ensures a structured and well-considered approach to software development, minimizing risks and setting the stage for successful software design and implementation in subsequent phases.